Election strategy: Musharraf to push for alliances instead of mergers
Will invite all parties except MQM-L to form an alliance against PML-N and PPP
Former president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has outlined its strategy to become the third political force by proposing alliances between parties instead of mergers ahead of the 2018 general elections.
In light of the current political situation, the approach is drafted along four levels – national, provincial, constituency and Karachi. The APML is set to contact Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), Awami Tehreek, liked-minded factions of Pakistan Muslim Leagues and other political parties.
Musharraf rules out martial law or early polls, sees ‘technocrat govt’
For the city of lights, former president Gen Musharraf’s party looks to fill the gap created by divisions in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. It intends to reach out to MQM-P, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and Muhajjir Qaumi Movement (MQM-H) to keep the party unified despite division. All parties except Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London (MQM-L) will be invited and encouraged to keep their mandate.
According to sources, Musharraf has been involved in detailed discussions in Dubai over the party's participation in the elections next year.
During the meetings, it has been decided to contact other political parties and to also form an alliance with disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders and workers.
Beginning with a national-level alliance, APML will expand in phases to provincial and constituency level with the consent of the participant parties and in context of the political position.
PPP women wing holds protest against Imran, Musharraf
Musharraf will initiate talks for alliance in December and organise a grand political conference in Dubai or Islamabad, sources added.
He is ‘completely ready’ to become active at national level to make the strategy a success.
Sources further claimed that Musharraf has told political parties that he will return to Pakistan after consulting his physicians and legal team, adding that it may be in March or April next year.
Until then, APML general secretary Dr Muhammad Amjad has been tasked to start dialogues with like-minded political parties.
All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has outlined its strategy to become the third political force by proposing alliances between parties instead of mergers ahead of the 2018 general elections.
In light of the current political situation, the approach is drafted along four levels – national, provincial, constituency and Karachi. The APML is set to contact Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), Awami Tehreek, liked-minded factions of Pakistan Muslim Leagues and other political parties.
Musharraf rules out martial law or early polls, sees ‘technocrat govt’
For the city of lights, former president Gen Musharraf’s party looks to fill the gap created by divisions in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. It intends to reach out to MQM-P, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and Muhajjir Qaumi Movement (MQM-H) to keep the party unified despite division. All parties except Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London (MQM-L) will be invited and encouraged to keep their mandate.
According to sources, Musharraf has been involved in detailed discussions in Dubai over the party's participation in the elections next year.
During the meetings, it has been decided to contact other political parties and to also form an alliance with disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders and workers.
Beginning with a national-level alliance, APML will expand in phases to provincial and constituency level with the consent of the participant parties and in context of the political position.
PPP women wing holds protest against Imran, Musharraf
Musharraf will initiate talks for alliance in December and organise a grand political conference in Dubai or Islamabad, sources added.
He is ‘completely ready’ to become active at national level to make the strategy a success.
Sources further claimed that Musharraf has told political parties that he will return to Pakistan after consulting his physicians and legal team, adding that it may be in March or April next year.
Until then, APML general secretary Dr Muhammad Amjad has been tasked to start dialogues with like-minded political parties.